What Should I Do Before Movers Arrive?

If you have a moving date scheduled, you’re probably wondering: what should I do before movers arrive? Preparing properly can save you time, reduce stress, and even lower your final bill.

At Hulk Movers, we’ve handled thousands of moves across San Diego. The smoothest moving days always have one thing in common: preparation. 

This complete 2026 guide will show you exactly:

  • What to do before movers come
  • How to prepare for movers efficiently
  • How to prepare house for movers
  • How to prepare apartment for movers
  • How to organize before movers arrive
  • How to declutter before moving
  • Smart packing tips before movers arrive
  • A full moving checklist before movers arrive
  • A simple moving day checklist printable guide

Let’s break it down step by step.

Why Preparation Matters

Professional movers work quickly and efficiently—but they rely on you to be ready.

If you’re not prepared:

  • Movers may need to wait (which increases hourly cost)
  • Items may not be packed properly
  • Important belongings can get misplaced
  • Stress levels skyrocket

Proper planning makes the entire process faster, safer, and more affordable.

1. Declutter Before Moving

The first and most important step: declutter before moving.

There’s no reason to pay movers to transport items you no longer want.

Ask Yourself:

  • Have I used this in the last year?
  • Does it have real value?
  • Would I buy this again?

What to Do With Unwanted Items:

  • Donate
  • Sell online
  • Host a garage sale
  • Recycle
  • Trash broken items

Decluttering reduces:

  • Moving time
  • Packing materials
  • Moving costs
  • Unpacking time at your new home

The fewer items you move, the smoother everything goes.

2. Create a Moving Checklist Before Movers Arrive

If you’re wondering what to do before movers come, start with a structured plan.

Here’s a simplified moving checklist before movers arrive:

2–4 Weeks Before

  • Schedule movers
  • Start decluttering
  • Order packing supplies
  • Notify utilities
  • Update address

1 Week Before

  • Begin packing non-essentials
  • Confirm moving date and time
  • Arrange parking for moving truck
  • Separate valuables

1–2 Days Before

  • Finish packing
  • Disassemble small furniture (if required)
  • Prepare payment method
  • Clean refrigerator and defrost freezer

Morning of the Move

  • Pack essentials bag
  • Secure pets
  • Clear pathways
  • Be available for walkthrough

This structure eliminates last-minute chaos.

3. How to Prepare for Movers: Room-by-Room Strategy

If you’re asking how to prepare for movers, organization is key.

Kitchen

  • Empty cabinets completely
  • Wrap fragile items
  • Dispose of flammable liquids
  • Pack small appliances
  • Defrost refrigerator 24 hours prior

Bedrooms

  • Pack clothing (leave hanging if movers provide wardrobe boxes)
  • Empty drawers unless confirmed otherwise
  • Remove personal valuables

Living Room

  • Unplug electronics
  • Take photos of cable setups
  • Remove wall décor
  • Secure remote controls

Bathroom

  • Discard open liquids
  • Pack toiletries separately
  • Keep medications with you

4. How to Prepare House for Movers

If you’re moving from a home, there are extra steps.

Clear Driveway Space

Movers need close truck access.

Protect Floors

If necessary, use floor protection for delicate surfaces.

Disassemble Outdoor Items

  • Patio furniture
  • Umbrellas
  • Garden tools

Disconnect Appliances

Some moving companies require appliances disconnected before arrival.

Preparing your house properly helps movers work efficiently.

5. How to Prepare Apartment for Movers

Apartment moves require additional planning.

Reserve Elevator

If applicable, book the elevator in advance.

Inform Building Management

Some buildings require:

  • COI (Certificate of Insurance)
  • Move-in/out forms
  • Time restrictions

Secure Parking

Street parking may require permits.

When planning how to prepare apartment for movers, communication with building management is crucial.

6. How to Organize Before Movers Arrive

Organization saves time—and money.

Label Boxes Clearly

Include:

  • Room name
  • Fragile markings
  • “Open First” tags

Create an Essentials Box

Include:

  • Phone chargers
  • Toiletries
  • Medications
  • Important documents
  • Change of clothes

Separate Items Not Being Moved

Clearly mark:

  • Trash
  • Donations
  • Personal items staying behind

Knowing how to organize before movers arrive prevents confusion on moving day.

7. Packing Tips Before Movers Arrive

Even if you hired full-service packing, you may still pack some items yourself.

Here are proven packing tips before movers arrive:

Use Proper Materials

  • Sturdy boxes
  • Packing paper (not newspaper)
  • Bubble wrap
  • Heavy-duty tape

Don’t Overfill Boxes

Keep weight manageable (30–50 lbs max).

Pack Similar Items Together

Avoid mixing random items in one box.

Protect Fragile Items

Wrap individually and fill empty spaces.

Keep Valuables With You

Jewelry, passports, and cash should never go on the truck.

8. What Not to Pack

Movers typically cannot transport:

  • Hazardous materials
  • Paint and chemicals
  • Propane tanks
  • Firearms (varies by company)
  • Perishable food
  • Plants (for long distance moves)

Always confirm with your moving company.

9. Prepare an Inventory

Before movers arrive:

  • Take photos of valuable items
  • Document furniture condition
  • Create a rough inventory list

This protects you and ensures accountability.

10. Payment and Paperwork

If you’re wondering what should I do before movers arrive financially:

  • Confirm total estimate
  • Prepare payment method
  • Review contract
  • Understand liability coverage

Being prepared avoids last-minute misunderstandings.

11. Moving Day Checklist Printable

You can screenshot or print this section.

Moving Day Checklist Printable

  • Finish packing
  • Unplug appliances
  • Secure pets
  • Clear pathways
  • Reserve elevator (if needed)
  • Keep valuables with you
  • Have payment ready
  • Final walkthrough of every room
  • Check closets and cabinets
  • Confirm new address with movers

Simple, clear, effective.

12. How Preparation Saves Money

Many homeowners don’t realize preparation directly impacts cost.

If movers wait:

  • You pay hourly.

If items aren’t packed:

  • They may need to pack them.

If pathways aren’t clear:

  • Labor time increases.

Knowing how to prepare house for movers or how to prepare apartment for movers reduces labor hours and lowers your final invoice.

13. Professional Advice from Hulk Movers

At Hulk Movers, we recommend:

  • Start early
  • Communicate clearly
  • Label everything
  • Keep essentials separate
  • Declutter before moving
  • Stay calm and organized

Preparation transforms moving day from stressful to seamless.

So, What Should I Do Before Movers Arrive?

To summarize:

If you’re asking what should I do before movers arrive, here’s the answer:

  • Declutter before moving
  • Create a moving checklist before movers arrive
  • Pack efficiently
  • Organize clearly
  • Prepare your house or apartment properly
  • Follow a moving day checklist printable
  • Be ready and available on moving day

Preparation is the secret to a smooth, affordable, and stress-free move.

At Hulk Movers, we handle the heavy lifting — but your preparation makes all the difference.

When you’re organized, moving day feels less like chaos and more like the exciting start of a new chapter.